By Micah Jonah, March 4, 2026
United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has agreed to testify before lawmakers regarding his past relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, amid renewed scrutiny over their association.
The chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, James Comer, confirmed that Lutnick “proactively agreed” to provide a transcribed interview to the panel.
“I commend his demonstrated commitment to transparency and appreciate his willingness to engage with the Committee. I look forward to his testimony,” Comer said.
Lutnick, who reportedly lived next door to Epstein in New York for more than a decade, has faced mounting questions following the release of Justice Department files that appeared to contradict earlier statements he made about distancing himself from Epstein.
In a podcast interview last year, Lutnick claimed he decided to avoid being alone with Epstein after an uncomfortable meeting at the financier’s Manhattan residence in 2005. However, documents made public earlier this year indicated that the commerce secretary continued meeting and communicating with Epstein for several years after that encounter. Lutnick later acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, in 2012.
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The oversight committee has also requested written testimony from several prominent figures, including Bill Gates, private equity investor Leon Black, and Kathryn Ruemmler, a senior lawyer at Goldman Sachs.
All three have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
The latest development follows appearances by former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who also answered lawmakers’ questions about their past interactions with Epstein. Both stated they were unaware of any illegal conduct connected to the financier.
The congressional probe continues as lawmakers seek clarity on the extent of Epstein’s network and associations with high-profile political and business figures.
